Nova Scotia to facilitate tidal demo projects

October 10 (Renewables Now) - The government of Nova Scotia has proposed changes that will provide tidal energy demonstration projects with wider access across the Bay of Fundy.

The changes to the Marine Renewable-energy Act, announced last week, will allow demonstration permits of up to 5 MW. They will also allow companies to sell their electricity at a lower price than existing tidal feed-in-tariffs (FiTs), the government said. The energy minister will be able to negotiate and issue power purchase agreements (PPAs) for up to 15 years. The permits, to be issued with the consent of the Natural Resources Minister, will be for a period of up to five years. They can be renewed several times up to a total of 18 years.

No more than 10 MW of total power will be authorised under the amendment, the government said. The developers will still need to have all relevant permits and environmental approvals.

Energy minister Geoff MacLellan said: "By taking this next step, Nova Scotia remains a world leader in developing clean, renewable tidal energy in a way that protects the environment, creates opportunities in rural communities and keeps power rates stable."